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2014 Boston Gameday HQ

Joey Votto
JOHN SOMMERS II/GETTY IMAGES SPORT
FIELDING
Nobody in the National League caught the ball better than the
Cincinnati Reds, whose .988 fielding percentage tied for the league lead
with St. Louis and Arizona. Their 76 errors were only one off the pace
of the Cards and D-Backs. The infield is secure all around with Votto (a
career .993 fielder), Phillips (.988), Zach Cozart at short and steady fielder
Todd Frazier at third. The infield may get some help, as manager Bryan
Price likes to implement a lot of shifts. In the outfield, Hamilton’s blazing
speed will help efficient corner outfielders Ludwick and Bruce, who
ranked second in fielding percentage (.991) and third in the NL in outfield
assists (13). Catcher Devin Mesoraco is better known for his offense but
knows the staff.
STARTING PITCHING
The starters were a big reason the Reds won 90 games. They were
the only rotation to throw more than 1,000 innings, fired 17 shutouts
(the most for a Reds staff since 1973), and were top five in ERA, fewest
walks and opponent batting average. That was with ace Johnny Cueto
missing nearly three months and making just 11 starts, only two of which
came after June 28. While they’ll miss Bronson Arroyo, Mat Latos and
Homer Bailey, who re-signed for $100 million over the off-season, are
studs, although both were hurt during the spring. Lefty Tony Cingrani and
righty Mike Leake fit the mold as dependable innings-eaters at the back
of the rotation.
RELIEF PITCHING
When Reds starters did relinquish the ball, the bullpen slammed the
door shut. No one slammed the door more emphatically than All-Star
closer Aroldis Chapman, who converted 38 of 43 saves, striking out an
NL-high 112 in 63 2/3 innings. He survived a scare, getting hit in the face
by a line drive in spring training and there will be question marks on his
return. Formerly Chapman’s setup men, and temporarily the closers-bycommittee
will be the rubber-armed trio of J.J. Hoover (a team-high 69
appearances), Sam LeCure, and Alfredo Simon all of whom made more
than 60 appearances, with ERAs under 3.00. Veteran Manny Parra threw
to a career-best 3.33 ERA. The pen will get even stronger once powerful
righty Jonathan Broxton and lefty Sean Marshall return from injury.
MANAGING
Bryan Price, the man in charge of developing all this Reds’ pitching
wealth since being hired as Dusty Baker’s pitching coach in 2010,
will now be in charge of the entire team, replacing Baker, the thirdwinningest
manager in franchise history. It will be his first time on the
hot seat, but he knows the talent in the clubhouse and is respected by
the players. GM Walt Jocketty seemed relatively content with the hand
he had — not pursuing free agents Shin-Soo Choo or Bronson Arroyo and
trading away catcher Ryan Hanigan, but he has a winning track record
and can heat up the phone lines in a hurry should he deem it necessary.